Is It Safe To Do Swimming While Pregnant?

Pregnancy is a life-changing experience in many ways. To ensure good health of your baby, you will probably want to do every possible thing, from eating right to trying to exercise even if you don’t feel like it.

If you love being in the water, there may be a chance that you are worried about swimming because of your pregnancy. There are many questions you may have about swimming while pregnant- is it harmful for your baby? Will it create complications? and so on.

Understanding about the effects of swimming on your body during pregnancy will help you make a fair choice.

Is It Safe To Swim During Pregnancy?

Contrary to all the myths and misconceptions, swimming during your pregnancy is completely safe. It has no risks involved in terms of your, as well as your baby’s health. As long as you are swimming properly keeping certain precautions in mind, chances are you will be fine. We would, however, remind you to first check with your doctor as well. Every woman’s body reacts differently during pregnancy, and your doctor will know your status best.

Common Myth:

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It is often believed that the chlorinated water of swimming pools tend to have negative impact on your baby’s health. This is not true though. In fact, most swimming pools have controlled proportions of the cleansing agent, which is why it is completely safe to swim. If you have a healthy pregnancy with no complications whatsoever, swimming is not a problem. In fact, it holds many health benefits for both you and your baby.

Health Benefits Of Doing Swimming While Pregnant:

1. Swimming may help promote good sleep, especially for women who may have trouble sleeping during the various stages of pregnancy.

2. It is an effective way to burn calories and keep your body active during pregnancy without the fear of overexertion.

6. Improved circulation and heart and lung function are some added benefits of swimming during pregnancy.

7. If you are experiencing trouble handling your body changes during pregnancy, swimming may help make it easier.

8. Most aches and pains during pregnancy are best handled by swimming.

If you have been a swimmer before you were pregnant, you should have no problems swimming during your pregnancy period too.

Safety Tips For Swimming During Pregnancy:

Following a set of basic rules can help make your swimming experience during pregnancy a safe and enjoyable one.

1. If you are not a regular swimmer, start slowly and then gradually move on to longer sessions.

2. Don’t overexert yourself. The idea is to keep yourself energized and active and not be tired.

3. Choose a stroke that you find comfortable. Avoid trying to adjust to uncomfortable positions.

4. If at any point of time you feel light headed and dizzy or experience bleeding, seek medical assistance immediately.

5. Remember to increase your calorie intake depending on the amount of exercise you do.

6. For swimming sessions that last around 30 minutes or more, make sure you are hydrated.

7. Adding some glucose powder to your glass of water is recommended.

8. If you have a history of early labor, miscarriage, weakened cervix or ruptured membranes, avoid swimming. Especially during the first and last trimesters of pregnancy.

9. Purchase a good maternity swimsuit that fits you well and doesn’t cut circulation.

10. The breaststroke may be the most effective when it comes to the third trimester of pregnancy.

Following these tips should help you swim safe during your special months. However, if you still have certain concerns or are not really sure about trying it out as a mode of exercise, you can always have a talk with your medical practitioner to rule out any possible problems.

Swim only if it makes you comfortable. The moment you feel tired or uncomfortable, make sure you are out of the water. To play safe, ask someone to be around while you swim. Share your swimming experiences with us in the comments section below.